In the Nov. 4 general election, state voters defeated Amendment 3 by a margin of 76.45 percent to 23.55 percent with 1,436,196 total votes.

Barry County residents casted 5,379 votes in opposition and 1,810 votes in favor.

"I think that the informative message about Amendment 3 impacts was communicated well to the general public," said Richard Asbill, superintendent of the Cassville School District. "The overall election results was a clear message that Amendment 3 was not good for local schools and communities."

Bob Walker, superintendent of the Southwest School District, said he was concerned about some of the amendment's stipulations.

"I'm pleased that Amendment 3 was soundly defeated," Walker said.

With their decision to reject Amendment 3, Ernest Raney, superintendent of the Exeter School District, said Missouri voters showed strong support for public education teachers.

The Wheaton School District is happy with the rejection of Amendment 3, said Superintendent Lance Massey.

"Many of our teachers have expressed their pleasure with the results of their efforts in defeating Amendment 3," Massey said.

The area school districts will also evaluate, examine and monitor future issues.

"Unfortunately, education and local schools have become accustomed to the attacks, manipulation, and influence of various groups who try to assert their own political or economic agenda through efforts which are not productive for students and local communities," Asbill said. "The Cassville R-4 Board of Education will continue to monitor these types of issues and work with our administrators, teachers and our community to ensure that our schools are productive and are establishing rigorous standards of teaching and learning."

Walker said in his opinion, "it is never a good thing to weaken local control."

The Exeter Board of Education, teachers and staff will continue to provide the very best opportunities for learning, Raney said.

"We will work with elected representatives to help them understand the work we do to prepare our students to be college and career ready," he said.